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RAC moves into telematics market
Date: 15 August 2013 | Author: Jack Carfrae
The RAC has launched a service that sees it using telematics systems as part of new fleet, insurance and breakdown initiatives. Dubbed RAC Advance, the move sees the company pair up with telematics specialist Risk Technology, which will allow RAC members' vehicles to communicate directly with the organisation via a "matchbox-sized" device fitted to their vehicles.
The system, which has already been fitted to 1700 RAC vehicles and 35,000 fleet vehicles, will be able to send diagnostics directly to the RAC, which can theoretically pick up faults before they result in a breakdown.
It will also allow the organisation to pinpoint the location of a vehicle if it has broken down and give technicians immediate remote access to the vehicles' diagnostics - so if it appears as though the fault cannot be fixed at the roadside, a recovery vehicle can be sent out rather than a mobile technician in a van.
The technology can also be linked to an app, which will allow the drivers to see information about the vehicle on a phone or tablet.
It will be available to existing and new RAC members in the near future. The RAC's commercial director, Kerry Michael, described the service as "breakdown for the 21st century".
He continued: "[It is] a giant leap forward that will provide our members with an easier, safer and more affordable driving experience. The application for our insurance and corporate customers is also ground-breaking."
